City of Midland
The Principal Planner – Long-Range Planning serves as the senior professional planner responsible for leading long-range and strategic planning efforts, including updates to the City’s Comprehensive Plan, sub-area and corridor studies, and master planning initiatives. This position is second-in-command to the Planning Manager and provides guidance, mentorship, and project oversight to other planners. The role requires independent judgment, technical expertise, and a strong understanding of land use, transportation, infrastructure, and housing policy to guide the city’s growth and development in alignment with community goals.
Lead the development and implementation of long-range planning initiatives including the Comprehensive Plan, corridor and neighborhood plans, special studies, and land use strategies.
Supervise, mentor, and support junior planning staff; assign and manage projects and timelines; provide quality control on technical deliverables.
Serve as project manager on major planning efforts including scope development, consultant oversight, stakeholder engagement, public communication, and implementation strategies.
Coordinate interdepartmental teams and serve as a liaison to regional, state, and federal agencies on long-range planning topics.
Analyze demographic, economic, land use, and infrastructure data to inform planning decisions and policy recommendations.
Present findings and recommendations to internal leadership, Planning & Zoning Commission, City Council, and the public.
Assist in the preparation and management of grant applications and planning-related RFPs/RFQs.
Support updates to zoning and development regulations consistent with long-range planning goals.
Represent the City at public meetings, community events, and on regional planning committees.
Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Architecture, Public Administration, or a related field.
Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible professional planning experience, including two (2) years in a supervisory or project leadership role.
Experience with comprehensive planning, land use analysis, community engagement, and interdepartmental coordination.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in Urban Planning or related field.
AICP certification.
Experience in a fast-growing community or complex metropolitan environment.
Familiarity with GIS (ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online), Adobe Creative Suite, or other planning and design software.
Strong written and verbal communication skills; experience presenting to elected or appointed boards.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Deep knowledge of urban planning principles, zoning, transportation systems, land use law, and comprehensive planning practices.
Strong project management and leadership skills, including the ability to manage multiple large-scale projects simultaneously.
Ability to analyze complex data, prepare clear and concise reports, and make strategic recommendations.
Skilled in facilitating public meetings and navigating politically sensitive topics with professionalism and diplomacy.
Comfortable working independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with elected officials, staff, developers, and residents.
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Lead the development and implementation of long-range planning initiatives including the Comprehensive Plan, corridor and neighborhood plans, special studies, and land use strategies.
Supervise, mentor, and support junior planning staff; assign and manage projects and timelines; provide quality control on technical deliverables.
Serve as project manager on major planning efforts including scope development, consultant oversight, stakeholder engagement, public communication, and implementation strategies.
Coordinate interdepartmental teams and serve as a liaison to regional, state, and federal agencies on long-range planning topics.
Analyze demographic, economic, land use, and infrastructure data to inform planning decisions and policy recommendations.
Present findings and recommendations to internal leadership, Planning & Zoning Commission, City Council, and the public.
Assist in the preparation and management of grant applications and planning-related RFPs/RFQs.
Support updates to zoning and development regulations consistent with long-range planning goals.
Represent the City at public meetings, community events, and on regional planning committees.
Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Architecture, Public Administration, or a related field.
Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible professional planning experience, including two (2) years in a supervisory or project leadership role.
Experience with comprehensive planning, land use analysis, community engagement, and interdepartmental coordination.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in Urban Planning or related field.
AICP certification.
Experience in a fast-growing community or complex metropolitan environment.
Familiarity with GIS (ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online), Adobe Creative Suite, or other planning and design software.
Strong written and verbal communication skills; experience presenting to elected or appointed boards.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Deep knowledge of urban planning principles, zoning, transportation systems, land use law, and comprehensive planning practices.
Strong project management and leadership skills, including the ability to manage multiple large-scale projects simultaneously.
Ability to analyze complex data, prepare clear and concise reports, and make strategic recommendations.
Skilled in facilitating public meetings and navigating politically sensitive topics with professionalism and diplomacy.
Comfortable working independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with elected officials, staff, developers, and residents.
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